Williston Observer 11/10/2021

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CVU earns first title shot

Comeback win vaults Redhawks into state championship game Saturday BY LAUREN READ Observer Correspondent Not much went according to plan on Friday night for the Champlain Valley Union High School football team. First, the bus trip to Hartford for the Division 1 semifinals hit a snag when a bus showed up late. Then, the usually offense-rich Redhawks struggled with turnovers and only found the end zone once in the first three quarters. But, as the clock ticked down on the season, CVU found its identity. The Redhawks scored with just over a minute to play — and Oli- Alex Provost fights for extra yards during CVU’s quarterfinal win over Middlebury last week in Hinesburg. ver Pudvar hit the extra point — to OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY give No. 3 Champlain Valley a 1413 win and a spot in the program’s ”It’s a memory they’ll get to keep CVU will take on No. 4 Es“The last five or six weeks, evfirst D-1 state final. for the rest of their lives. sex on Saturday at Rutland High ery game has been the biggest and “It is a thrill for our kids,” CVU “But the goal is not yet accom- School at 5 p.m. to determine who most important game we played,” head coach Rahn Fleming said. plished.” takes home the state title. Fleming said. “To go to a state

championship is a big deal, no question, but it’s also just another opportunity for this club to experience another first.” The Redhawks took an early lead in Friday’s semifinal, scoring on a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Max Destito to receiver Jack Sumner. But the Hurricanes responded to tie the game 7-7 before the end of the first quarter. And that is where the two teams stayed, trading possessions and turnovers in a backand-forth semifinal. Hartford broke the deadlock with 5 minutes, 40 seconds to go in the game, capping off a nearly-10-minute drive with a touchdown pass that gave the home team a 13-7 lead. But the Hurricanes missed the extra point, which came back to haunt them. Champlain Valley responded on its next possession, steadily marching down the field and getting all the way down to the 5-yard line. But there the drive stalled and CVU’s state championship hopes came down to a 4th-and-5. “That trust that our players see FOOTBALL page 12

Vermont Air Guard’s F-35s nearly combat ready

Noise monitoring expands into Williston BY JASON STARR Observer staff

The F-35 fighter jet program at the Vermont Air National Guard reaches full maturity next month. The program will complete its two-year conversion in December from startup to fully operational and will enter the new year ready to deploy at the beck and call of the federal government. It’s a milestone that will go unheralded at the guard’s Burlington International Airport base but something the pilots and ground crew have been working toward since the first of 20 F-35s arrived in Vermont in the fall of 2019, replacing the guard’s F-16 jets. “The government has bought these aircraft and they need them to be ready if they are called upon, so coming out of conversion means that we’ve done our part

and we are accessible to the federal government if they need us,” said Col. Daniel Finnegan, a pilot and the program’s second-in-command. “It’s almost like a birthday. We knew it was coming and you just power right through it. We’ll stay focused on keeping our tasks current and making sure we’re ready to deploy.” Becoming combat ready involved not only flight hours above Vermont and upstate New York, where the F-35s often head on training flights, it also required battle simulations at Air Force and air guard bases around the country. The program’s capstone simulation took place over a three-week period in August at Nellis Air Force base in Las Vegas, where Vermont pilots flew against surface-to-air and airto-air attacks, Finnegan said. It also gave the pilots and ground crew practice moving the operation to another location. “That is probably the most complete exercise you can attend in the lower 48,” Finnegan

The F-35 fighter jets based at Burlington International Airport are expected to be deemed combat ready by the Air Force in December. FILE PHOTO BY VTDIGGER

said. “That was to make sure we have everything we need to deploy, and employ when we get there and then redeploy back to Vermont.” Moving to fully operational won’t change the training flight schedule out of the airport, Finnegan said, but it will allow the unit to train oversees. He de-

clined to say whether any deployments are planned. “Our training never stops,” Finnegan said. “Our job is to be ready if the federal government needs us.” Meanwhile, the airport, working with a Federal Aviation Administration grant, is installing three noise monitors to capture the decibel levels of the F-35s as they climb and descend over Chittenden County. Two are built in Winooski and South Burlington, and a third is expected to go live in Williston in December. The Williston location — which will entail a solar-powered microphone atop a 15-foot pole — is on town-owned land near the intersection of Route 2 and Industrial Avenue. “Aircraft go directly over that location and it’s very close to the end of the runway,” said airport Acting Aviation Director Nic Longo. Data from the noise monitors will help residents verify

the decibel levels the F-35s emit, providing documentation for future claims to the airport’s noise abatement program. All homes within a 65-decibel sound exposure zone are eligible for the future $5 million annual program. That includes about 100 homes on the west side of Williston. When the program launches, grants will be available for homeowners to install sound insulating doors and windows. The program will also include sales assistance, where the airport will pay homeowners the difference between a sale price and fair market value and in some cases buy homes. The airport would install noise insulation to any homes it buys with the intent to resell them, Longo said. Data from the noise monitors is available at www.btvsound. com. “This system will allow community members to have a tool at their disposal to provide noise feedback, which will inform future noise analysis,” Longo said.

Page 2  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021

Veterans Day observance planned The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club is hosting a Veterans Day observance this Thursday at 7:30 a.m. to celebrate Williston veterans, living and deceased. The ceremony will be held at Williston Veterans Park, located between Town Hall and the Town Hall Annex in Williston Village. All are welcome. The Rotary Club is also facilitating the sale of bricks for the

war memorial, which was first dedicated in 1994. The area in front of the memorial is paved with bricks, some bearing the names of local veterans. People interested in purchasing a brick to honor a veteran can choose from two styles for installation at the park. To order a brick, email the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club at rotaryclubofwillistonvt@gmail.com.

Williston Community Food Shelf turkey drive upcoming The Williston Community Food Shelf will host its annual turkey drive Saturday, Nov. 20. Turkey drop-offs will be accepted from 8-11 a.m. at the

food shelf at 400 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130 (behind the Williston Coffee Shop). Gift cards from local grocery stores are also accepted.

Gift cards can be dropped off or mailed in to the Williston Community Food Shelf at P.O. Box 1605, Williston, VT, 05495.

Scouts plan bottle and food drive Williston Scout Troop 692 is conducting a community-wide bottle and can drive fundraiser and holiday food drive on Saturday, Nov. 20. Funds raised will support the troop and food collections will be donated to the Williston Community Food Shelf. Scouts will visit the following neighborhoods for collections: Eastview Circle, Coyote Run, Stirrup Circle, Bittersweet Circle, Hillside Drive, Sharon Drive, River Cove Road, Morgan Parkway, Meadowrun Road, Lamplite Lane, Finney Crossing, Seth Circle, Isham Circle, Brennan Woods, Ledgewood Drive, Southridge, Pleasant Acres, Turtle Pond Road, Wild-

flower Circle, Southfield Drive, Village Grove, Lefebvre Lane, Fairway Drive, Creeks Edge Drive, Hillcrest Lane, Michael Lane and Sunrise Drive. Items needed are non-perishable foods and toiletries, including cereal, bottles of juice, coffee, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, laundry detergent, toothpaste, diapers and feminine hygiene products. Place empty returnable cans and bottles in a paper or plastic bag curbside by 8 a.m. on Nov. 20. Place food donations in separate bags or containers. Pickups in other neighborhoods can be arranged by calling Jake at 7344396.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS - OCTOBER 2021 • Patrick Ayer bought a home on Essex Road from Nancy Coon for $400,000. • Hydroobi LLC bought a condominium on Leroy Road from the Trustees of the Diocese of Vermont for $250. • Patrick Carr bought a home on 5 acres on Lincoln Road from Jere Conner for $805,000. • Regenia Cafini bought a condominium on Kristen Court from Nathan Ouimette for $295,000. • Marc Heilemann bought a home on McMullen Lane from

Barbara Thrasher for $608,000. • Stephen Ingersoll bought a home on 1 acre on Evergreen Drive from Bruce MacMillian for $540,000. • Elizabeth Phillips bought a home on Middlewood Road from the Estate of Cathey Hoeppner for $217,000. • William Spence bought a home on 1.5 acres on Essex Road from the Barbara D. Janes Revocable Trust for $357,000. • Thomas Beckwith bought a condominium on Holland Lane from

Michael Clauss for $335,000. • Emily Keller bought a condominium on Eastview Circle from Adam Bouchard for $287,900. • Charles Palmer bought a home on 1.5 acres on South Brownell Road from Eugene O’Brien for $565,000. • GTY Auto Service LLC bought a commercial property on 2 acres on James Brown Drive from Splash Williston Real Estate LLC for $4,312,454. • Steven Brown bought a home on South Brownell Road from

Charles Palmer for $432,000. • Bradley Patnaude bought a home on Chloe Circle from Northridge Williston LLC for $725,765. • Marie Ann Miles bought a condominium on Day Lane from Leo Rouille for $400,000. • Michael Paskevich bought a home on Churchview Drive from Sally Smith for $400,000. • James Pecor bought a home on White Birch Lane from Marie Ann Miles for $410,000. • Carly Propst bought a home

on 2 acres on Handy Hill Farm Road from Sue Quinlan for $392,000. • Riley Cohen Partnership LLC bought commercial property on 3 acres on Avenue B from Avenue B Holdings LLC for $1,200,000. • David Fortin bought a home on Hillside Drive from Christopher Irving for $410,000. • Katherine Wallace bought a condominium on Hideaway Lane from Tarken Chase for $275,000.

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Health Care Coverage That Goes the Extra Mile. Here in Vermont, “going above and beyond” is just how it’s done. At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, we live it every day. We’re dedicated to treating our neighbors right and committed to improving Vermonters’ well-being, with programs for managing conditions like diabetes to “Better Beginnings” for new moms. Nearly eight out of ten members would recommend us to their friends. Through the American Rescue Plan, our members’ monthly costs could drop by 50 percent or more. See if you’re newly eligible at VTBlue.com.

Page 4  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021

Richmond gets nearly $150K for sewer expansion Expansion would facilitate growth of brewery BY DOUGLAS PHINNEY Community News Service

Richmond will be receiving $147,947 from a federal border commission to help start the first phase of a possible sewer system expansion project. The Northern Border Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership for economic and community development in needy counties in Northern New England and New York, has started to award a new series of grants worth $3 million. These newest grants are the most recent to come from a partnership between the NBRC and the U.S. Economic Development Ad-

ministration. Three Vermont towns are listed among those receiving awards from the commission, including Richmond. “This is a sewer extension project that has been in the works for probably over five years in Richmond,” says Richmond Town Manager Josh Arneson. Arneson says that in order to expand the sewer system, the town of Richmond first has to expand its water and sewer district. Prior to starting any work on this project, the town will hold a vote to authorize this expansion. Arneson says that this vote is scheduled for Dec. 7. The expansion would allow for properties outside of the current district to connect to town services. Right now, most of the properties

outside of the service area rely on private septic systems and wells. According to Richmond’s grant application to the NBRC, the expansion of the system would also connect more people to what they feel is an underutilized system. The application says this will ultimately lower rates for existing customers. In addition to expanding access to town sewer and water services, Arneson says that this expansion would also help to benefit Richmond by allowing Stone Corral, a local brewery that has outgrown its current location, to move to a new location. The brewery’s ability to access the town water and sewer system at this new location would facilitate its continued growth. “Richmond is interested in retaining ongoing businesses that are

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Richmond’s Stone Corral brewery is ready for growth with the help of the town’s sewer expansion. PHOTO COURTESY OF STONE CORRAL

providing jobs to people in town, and attracting guests to Richmond,” said Arneson. According to Richmond’s application, this expansion could also allow for commercial use of space that would not be feasible with private septic systems. The application lists breweries, distilleries, food processing, restaurants and medical facilities as examples of potential businesses. As a government agency, the NBRC is not allowed to fund private enterprises. But it often works in conjunction with towns to help them retain important business through projects like this. “This type of project is actually the way a lot of our projects work, where a town is looking to increase business activity, and in order to do that, they need to do something that we can fund. So that might be wastewater upgrades,” said NBRC Executive Director Rich Grogan. The NBRC was created by Congress in 2008, based on the success of the Appalachian Regional Commission. It is composed of five voting members: the governors of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire

and New York, as well as co-chair Harold Parker, who represents the federal government. All of the funding for the commission’s grants come from the federal government. Towns interested in receiving grants fill out the necessary application, which is then determined for eligibility before being passed along to their state for scoring. This scoring is based on criteria published by the NBRC in conjunction with the involved states, so that towns and states will know what criteria they need to meet to be eligible for an award. If awarded, the grants work on a reimbursement basis, with towns spending funds and then submitting documentation to the NBRC for review. In Richmond, if everything goes as planned, Arneson says that construction will likely begin in the summer of 2023. The Community News Service is a partnership between the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program and Vermont community newspapers.

Communities prepare to welcome Afghan refugees

BY MAX DODSON Community News Service

This year, Vermont will accept 100 Afghan refugees. However, resettlement comes with hurdles. This resettlement is different from past programs, such as when the state welcomed 100 Syrian refugees in 2017. Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, who represents Chittenden County, spoke recently about the differences with the coming Afghan resettlement program. Hinsdale and Rep. Marybeth Redmond, D-Essex, hosted a virtual town hall late last month that detailed logistics about welcoming refugees. “Most of the refugees are going to be coming through the asylum program. There’s a little bit of a different pathway federally,” Hinsdale said. “Refugees were eligible for something like $3,000-$4,000 a month, but asylees are only eligible for a one time payment for about $1,250 dollars.” This could pose an issue, especially when concerning housing. Chittenden County has a housing shortage. There is a particular lack of homes with multiple bedrooms, suitable for families. Adding a new pool of people and families looking for housing could increase the

already high demand for housing. The lack of federal funding to support these families could also complicate this, Hinsdale said. She noted that while people have been welcoming and willing to open up their own homes, this is not a permanent solution, and does not solve many of the issues of the housing shortage. “But (it) does immediately help families arriving in Chittenden County in a shortterm setting,” she said. Many refugees may also settle in Rutland, according to state and Rutland-area officials. Apart from the housing issue, Hinsdale is optimistic for the Afghans joining Vermont communities. While there were some issues in Rutland with the Syrian refugee resettlement, the community has largely been willing to accept a significant portion of Afghan refugees. Furthermore, Brattleboro fought to start a small asylum program, with many asylees located there. Hinsdale said she thinks this is largely due to the recent media attention displaying the horrors many Afghans face under Taliban rule, especially educated women and those with previous American ties. “Many people sprang into ac-

tion, largely spurred by the very gruesome stories they’ve heard, particularly about women and people (in the) academic profession,” Hinsdale said. The resettlement of Afghan refugees does pose its challenges, but could also provide solutions to some issues Vermont is facing now, such as a labor shortage. Employers in the state have had extreme difficulty finding employees, as complications from the Covid-19 pandemic put a significant dent in Vermont’s workforce. The addition of refugees could help solve this. However, there are also some hurdles for employers to provide work for Afghans in the right way. “You have to learn a whole new cultural language to understand people’s assumptions about what it looks like to be in the workplace. All of this needs to be treated intentionally, so we are trying to connect employers who have learned past lessons from hiring immigrants and refugees,” Hinsdale said.

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Page 6  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021

GUEST COLUMN Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985

www.willistonobserver.com P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 | 802-489-5499 PUBLISHER Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com 802-489-5499

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SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com • Deadline is Monday at noon • News/story tips welcomed • Letters must be 300 words or fewer • Include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author. Phone numbers and street addresses will be kept confidential • Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity • Letters that have been submitted to multiple media outlets may not be printed CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com Must include • Name of event and organization • Date, time and place of event • Contact information We print submissions for nonprofit groups and organizations only.

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Equity is the path to economic growth BY BETSY BISHOP Every day there is a news story about policies Vermont organizations are implementing to further diversity, equity and inclusion. Many organizations, including the Vermont Chamber, are focusing on this internally and programmatically to do our part to foster equity and inclusion in our areas of influence. And yet, recently, I’ve seen reports of public slurs and hate directed at people of color. This is most disturbing when we hear about it at school events because these students — all of them — are our future. We cannot abide this intolerance. Vermont’s economic growth and prosperity is dependent on our ability to embrace all people. Today’s students are our customers, our future workforce, our future leaders, our future entrepreneurs, and our neighbors. As a business leader, I encourage businesses to spread the message that Vermont only works if it works for everyone. Our current demographics are challenging, and we must welcome a growing and changing population to have a bright future with healthy economic growth that complements our deep values around environmental sustainability and a just society. We want our economy, society and environment to thrive together. Vermont consistently ranks as one of the oldest and whitest states in the nation. Before the pandemic, our partners at the Vermont Futures Project identified that Ver-

mont needed 10,000 more workers in the labor force. That number is even higher now. According to their data, since the 2008 recession, Vermont has struggled from the dual challenges of rural flight and an aging population. Lifestyle amenities and urban job opportunities draw workers away from rural areas, while a generation of people are also retiring from the workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data this month that

The next generation should enter the workforce with diversity, equity and inclusion in their hearts as fundamental principles. shows we have 23,000 open jobs in Vermont — exacerbated by the pandemic. We simply need more people here. We must welcome all people into our communities as our neighbors and co-workers to help sustain and grow this beautiful state. Changing demographics are not only a national trend, but also a gift and opportunity for Vermont. At the Vermont Chamber, we are doing our part. We are advocating for resources for BIPOC-owned businesses, diversifying our board of directors and developing programming to help small businesses create and ad-

vance a culture of belonging. We are also working to ensure state leaders continue providing worker incentive programs and make policy changes that attract military veterans to Vermont to strengthen our workforce. The work to create a more equitable Vermont starts in schools. Teachers are helping students become their best selves so they can one day lead Vermont with integrity. The next generation should enter the workforce with diversity, equity and inclusion in their hearts as fundamental principles. In a recent NPR interview, former President Barack Obama said that optimism must be extended to people. “Sometimes we put (other people) in a box and we assume that they’re never going to change, and I reject that,” Obama said. “I think the country has ... shown itself capable of changing.” If we want to secure a strong economic future and attract new residents, it’s our collective responsibility to make Vermont the best place it can be — free of intolerance and full of inclusion — a place where we recognize that our fates are tied together and strive for shared success. For these reasons and more, embracing diversity and promoting equity is critical to Vermont’s economic health and future. We are raising our voice. Have you? Betsy Bishop is president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. She lives in East Montpelier.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Community must come through for the homeless One thing we should all be able to count on is our community. It’s our neighbors, our town, our local farms, our local stores, the nurses and doctors, the people who each play their little part in keeping us fed, healthy and safe. Right now, only some of us can count on community. Some are excluded, because they don’t fit our ideals, our norms or the pictures in our head. This is not our fault. For years, we have been subtly manipulated into excluding, othering and dehumanizing, because that’s what best serves the powerful. It is our personal responsibility to fight that conditioning. We are taught that people are homeless because they are flawed, because they can’t hold a job or are sick in the head. But the truth about homelessness is that people are homeless because some people would rather have a second house than provide a first house for someone, because we don’t think renters belong in our neighborhoods, because we are selling our homes to the highest bidder, rather than the highest need. Our country is built on person-

al responsibility and pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. But no one working at minimum wage jobs with no benefits is ever going to have that opportunity. There is no responsibility when you are just fighting to survive. Personal responsibility is seeing past the divisiveness of politics and advertising, seeing past the wanting of things and focusing on people and experiences, and seeing that no human is worth less than another. The homeless are our community and we need to take care of them. We need to extend the general assistance motel program to everyone who is homeless, who is unsafe in their home or is being evicted, no matter the reasons. Then we need to pull up our bootstraps and get to work on longterm solutions. Carly Abrams Montpelier

VERAP gets a bad rap Recently, affordable housing providers, homeless families, advocates and policy makers gathered at the Statehouse to provide testimony to the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs on the status of the state’s Covid-19 recovery efforts

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in housing the hundreds of families living in motels and hotels, and efforts of the Vermont State Housing Authority in deploying Emergency Rental Assistance (VERAP). The discussion portrayed VERAP as an unstable program. While VERAP has struggled at times to keep up with the volume of applications, largely due to Vermont’s limited workforce and technology barriers, we are meeting the needs of thousands of Vermonters while maintaining the integrity and compliance of a very prescriptive program, set forth by the U.S. Treasury. Since July 2020, the Vermont State Housing Authority has deployed more than $56 million in rental assistance reaching over 12,000 households, with an estimated $34 million in future benefits to be paid. We also paid out over $1 million to settle 146 eviction cases. VERAP has been taking applications since last April, making payments for rent arrears, future rent and moving costs. It can also help owners pay for necessary repairs to keep their units safe and bring new units online. In just over six months, VERAP has assisted more Vermonters with more rental assistance than any program in the history of our

state. And every day our team and our community partners around the state work together to make it the best program possible and to continue meeting the need of those who need it most. Kathleen Berk Executive director Vermont State Housing Authority

Kudos to Congress for infrastructure bill I am very pleased to see the bipartisan infrastructure bill (the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) pass the House and move toward President Biden’s desk. This bill, with support from both sides of the aisle, is a very important step forward for our country and will significantly benefit our state. With additional investment in roads and bridges, broadband, water and electric vehicle infrastructure, this bill fits very well with the transformational work already underway in Vermont. We are making progress in these areas, but there is more to do, and this new funding will make sure we can recover stronger than ever before, increasing economic equity and opportunity for working families and kids in every corner of

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our state. I want to thank the president, the White House and members of Congress for working together to pass this bill, which is something we desperately needed to see as well. We know the majority of Americans support infrastructure investments and seeing bipartisan work — even though it was difficult — to get this done shows we can still unite around common goals. My administration will be ready to make sure this money supports our ongoing work to keep Vermont moving forward. Gov. Phil Scott

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Pandemic pet surge overwhelms animal hospitals

providers strain under shortages of staff and supplies. General practices have had to adjust to Pandemic-induced isolation support the patients that bounce triggered a surge in the adoption back to them. of furry companions. Today, Ver“In addition to the daily things mont’s understaffed and emotion- that we take on in terms of prevenally taxed veterinarians say they tative health care, we’re also havstruggle to accommodate the in- ing to manage a lot more emergenflux of pet owners seeking animal cies and clients which previously care. we would have recommended to a River Cove Animal Hospital in cardiologist or internal medicine Williston recently stopped accept- specialist,” Zehle said. ing new clients to keep up with Burlington Emergency and increasing deVe t e r i n a r y mands, accordSpecialists, or ing to Dr. Sonya BEVS, also in ‘Some people just Zehle, one of its Williston, has keep pushing and six veterinarirecently shifted ans. to “full diverwant more and “The numsion” protocol. more. It sometimes ber of people This means that that we see in it will only acmakes me question a day has incept patients in why I give so much creased signifiextremely critcantly. A busy ical condition. of myself for people day three years The office is who don’t seem ago looks like down 50 percent every single of its staff comto appreciate it.’ day now,” Zehpared with two Dr. Sonya Zehle le said. “And a years ago, said River Cove Animal larger volume Cam Fisher, a Hospital, Williston of pets brings a technician’s aslarger volume of sistant at BEVS. problems and emergencies.” “In order to accommodate this Prior to the Covid-19 pandem- huge surge of patients while still ic, the practice often would refer providing a high-quality, consispatients to specialists for more in- tent level of care, we are being dividualized care, but the special- forced to make hard decisions ized sector is also buckling under about who to accept coming into the number of animals in need of the emergency hospital,” Fisher medical attention. said. Similarly, Zehle said, local BEVS implemented a system emergency veterinary services of tiers ranging from Levels 1-5 to are facing a tidal wave of issues assess the urgency of a given sitamong household pets while the uation. Level 1 cases apply to anBY JENNY KOPPANG VTDigger

Dr. Sonya Zehle, a veterinarian at River Cove Animal Hospital in Williston, conducts a physical exam on Winter, a husky, on Oct. 23. PHOTO BY JENNY KOPPANG/VTDIGGER

imals who will not survive without immediate medical attention, while Level 5 involves casual care such as nail trims and vaccines. But in light of the recent onslaught of cases, Fisher said BEVS struggled to juggle even the most urgent cases, leading it to adopt an additional level of “full diversion,” which means they are treat-

ing only Level 1 issues. “The patient-to-staff ratio was out of hand. Patients could be waiting as long as 10 hours to be seen. We just couldn’t keep up with the amount of animals coming through the door,” Fisher said. “So we created a full diversion which means that if your pet isn’t a Level 1, we unfortunately have

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to send them to other clinics in the area.” Pets experiencing issues from Levels 2-5 can be sent as far as New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Fisher said. “Diversion can be problematic because it forces patients to travel

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Veterinarians continued from page

8

really far away for care,” she said. Veterinary staff say they are not only dealing with an overwhelming volume of patients, but also a generation of poorly trained pets. “We’ve even coined the term ‘Covid-dog’ at the clinic,” Fisher said. “These are the animals we have to keep an eye on because they were born during the pandemic and haven’t been socialized.” Additionally, people spending more time at home made them better attuned to their older pets’ needs, according to Karen Boychick, a full-time appointment technician at the Waterbury Animal Hospital and an as-needed tech at BEVS. “We’re getting a lot of people who are seeking extra care, like wanting to discuss pain medications for their old arthritic dogs after seeing them hobble around during the day,” Boychick said. Boychick helps manage some of the 50 or so patients who come through the doors at the Waterbury hospital as well as the bar-

rage of emergent cases at BEVS. She said that her mental health has drastically declined since the pandemic began. She worked every day of May 2020, she said. “I was absolutely fried, but I knew they needed me, and I was physically able to be there,” she said. “We tend to care so much about the animals that we forget to care for ourselves.” Veterinarians can fall victim to “compassion fatigue,” which is the physical and mental burnout that accompanies constant exposure to traumatic and stressful situations. “At the emergency hospital, we often have multiple animals pass away each day. Then we have to deal with the owners, who believe that it’s our fault, and explain that we are just trying our best to help,” Boychick said. Zehle, of River Cove, is certified in suicide prevention through Northeast Kingdom Human Services. She said that the rate of suicide and depression is high among female vets compared with the rest of the population. “Vets are forced to compartmentalize feelings of loss when

Veterinary technician Jocelyn Lysik takes phone calls from pet owners at River Cove Animal Hospital in Williston on Oct. 23. PHOTO BY JENNY KOPPANG/VTDIGGER

visiting from one client to another,” Zehle said. “Some people just keep pushing and want more and more. It sometimes makes me question why I give so much of myself for people who don’t seem to appreciate it.” The surge in pandemic-era

comfort

adoptions has exacerbated instances of hostile owner behavior and exposed veterinary staff to an increase in heartrending interactions with pets, Zehle said. She said she wants to bring the public’s attention to the mental health struggles that shadow this profes-

sion. Everybody should be treated kindly and fairly, she said. “I wonder if many of these people would still behave the same way towards us,” she said, “if they had any idea what went on in the back of our hospital.”

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Page 10  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021

Ski industry caught up in supply chain snarls

BY GRACE BENNINGHOFF VTDigger

Nick Mahood is still waiting on a bulk Nordic ski order he placed in the spring. The director of the Nordic center at the Woodstock Inn, Mahood said the skis are due to arrive any day now, but he has his doubts. And even if they do, Mahood is confident the delivery won’t include his entire order. “I already know I’m gonna get shorted on stuff — it’s just not there, or maybe it’ll come in at some point, but it will be too late,” he said. Mahood’s skepticism is warrant-

ed. This year, serious supply chain lags have left many retailers short on inventory. On top of that, last fall, a major fire struck the Fischer ski factory in Ukraine; the factory produces about 60 percent of the skis and snowboards in Europe, plus a lot of other ski and snowboard equipment. The fire left several major brands unable to manufacture certain products, and the factory has not resumed production. Nordic retailers, in particular, are concerned they won’t be able to keep up this season. The cross-country ski industry has been growing steadily for the past few decades,

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Normally, ski and snowboard retailers order inventory for the upcoming season in March, and some vendors take orders well into April. But this year things were different. Many major suppliers announced they had hit their allotment for United States orders on March 1, which meant quite a few Vermont retailers were simply unable to place orders. Typically, ski areas replace about a third of their rental skis every season, which guarantees that the gear they rent remains fairly new and in good shape. So last spring, as the ski season wound down, retailers sold some of their older rental gear, expecting that new products would arrive this fall. But now, that product might not be coming, or it may be coming too late to rent. “That’s gonna translate into unsatisfied customers. It’s your one weekend out of Manhattan to ski, but oh, there’s no rentals, you can’t ski, you’re gonna be upset,” Brown said. Eli Enman, general manager at the Sleepy Hollow Inn in Huntington, said he has started scouring Amazon and Ebay to ensure he has enough skis to rent this year. “I went to reorder some stuff from Rossignol a couple of weeks ago, and I would say about 75 percent of their normal inventory is gone,” Enman said. While Enman believes Sleepy Hollow will be OK this season, it’s normal safety net is gone. It doesn’t have extra gear in stock, and can’t reliably order extra, so a busy weekend could wipe out its inventory and cut into its rental business.

Mahood is in the same boat in Woodstock, and he anticipates working with other retailers to help skiers get gear. “We’re probably gonna have to send people elsewhere at some point,” he said. “We’ll have to call around and find some shops that have inventory. We might have to find like 10 different options for them because I think everybody is more or less in the same boat.” It’s not just ski gear that is lacking. Some Vermont ski areas are waiting on essential parts involved in blowing snow, grooming trails and maintaining a functional recreational space. Enman, the manager at Sleepy Hollow, said he is waiting on an important part of his snowmaking system that he ordered 10 weeks ago. “That’s a big one for us, because it has to be installed before it’s too cold, and with climate change, snowfall just isn’t as reliable as we’d like,” he said. Ultimately, ski retailers are excited — it’s good to have more customers coming back year after year. But the supply chain could mean trouble. Riehle said the industry will have to work closely together to pull off a successful season. “Areas are really gonna need to come together, compare notes and help each other out,” he said. “One resort might say they’re good on snowmaking parts, and recommend a vendor at another resort. Same thing could happen with hard goods. It’s a cooperative industry.”

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but demand — for gear, for passes, for lessons — took a big jump last winter. People were desperate to get outside during the pandemic winter, and cross-country skiing is cheaper and offers a gentler learning curve than downhill skiing. With more flexible work schedules, and remote options for office jobs, more people were able to get on skis, and lots of them picked cross-country. Parker Riehle, president of Get on Snow, said the Nordic ski industry grew even more than other winter sports last year in Vermont. His organization promotes efforts to get new people on skis and snowboards. “It’s a matter of supply and demand,” Riehle said. “The demand for usage of Nordic ski areas is so high and the normal supply chain — which was typically good — has been completely flipped. It’s become such a popular alternative for those who maybe aren’t ready to hop on downhill skis, and the supply chain is clogged up.” Reese Brown, executive director of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association, said that while some growth was expected last winter, nobody was prepared for what happened. “We’re all anticipating that this year will be as crazy, if not crazier,” said Brown, whose association conducted a survey to gauge interest in skiing this upcoming season. “Of the 1,500 people we surveyed, like 96 or 97 percent said they plan to return this year, and then we’ll probably also have some newcomers,” Brown said.

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November 10, 2021  •  Williston Observer  •  Page 11

SPORTS

Burlington upends CVU boys volleyball streak The CVU boys volleyball team has dominated the first four seasons of Division 1 Vermont high school volleyball. On Saturday, Burlington High School flipped the script. The Seahorses beat the Redhawks in straight sets to capture the state title — the first D-I trophy that has gone to a team other than CVU. Burlington jumped out to a quick lead with a 25-18 win in the first set, then solidified its lead with a win in the second set, 25-23. The two teams traded points in the second, with neither team gaining a real advantage. The Seahorses were able to string together points towards the back end of the set to hold off CVU and capture the second set. The Seahorses grabbed that momentum and ran with it in the third set. They did not give the Redhawks a chance to get back in the match, jumping out to a quick lead. Burlington won the third set 25-15 to

complete the title win and set off a celebration. Champlain Valley had won championships in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 heading into Saturday’s match and had not lost during the regular season. This season, the Redhawks finished the season with a 17-1 record.

Redhawks girls volleyball rival, Essex, tops state CVU and Essex are familiar faces in the Division 1 girls volleyball state championship match. The two teams have appeared in all four state finals in the state’s short volleyball history. Starting in 2016, each program has two titles. Saturday’s championship match at South Burlington would prove to be the tiebreaker. Unfortunately for the Redhawks, see VOLLEYBALL page 13

CVU’s Felix Walberg keeps the ball in play during their semifinal volleyball match vs. the MMU Cougars last Tuesday in Hinesburg. Observer photo by Al Frey

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Page 12  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021

SPORTS Football continued from page

Willistonian on winning Catamount team

The UVM Catamount Women's Soccer Team won its first-ever America East Conference championship by beating the UNH Wildcats 1-0 at UVM's Virtue Field on Sunday afternoon. Williston's Natalie Durieux is a senior starter on the team. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

1

have in one another, in our coaches and in who we’ve become over the course of the season, every last one of us shared the thought ‘we got this’ and there was no panic,” Fleming said. “So right to the last snap, nobody thought we weren’t going to do it.” Destito found Sumner with a touchdown pass to tie the game. Then it all came down to Pudvar, who had a rare field goal miss earlier in the game. Pudvar hit the extra point and gave CVU a 14-13 lead. The Redhawks made one last defensive stand, blocking a field goal with 15 seconds remaining to book their spot in the title game. “I said, just take a breath and kick the ball,” Fleming said of his message to his kicker. “And he looked at me and he goes ‘oh, I got this coach.’ He is that kid who is like the more tense the situation, the deeper the calm runs inside that guy. He went out and did what he does.” Now CVU heads to its first-ever D-I title game and will face Essex, which handed the Redhawks one of their two losses in the regular season. “We’re going to have to play our best football and our guys are going to need to

be mentally and emotionally and physically firing on all cylinders,” Fleming said. “We’re not going to just go do the same thing we’ve done every game all season long, but we’re not going to change who we are either.” Essex has won four games in a row, including a 42-28 win over top-seeded Rutland in the semifinals. It was the first loss for Rutland all season. CVU lost to the Hornets in the regular season, 28-14. It was the first time that the Redhawks had been held to 14 points or less during the season, before Hartford did it in the semifinals. While the offense will get a lot of attention, the CVU defense will have a tall task of shutting down a complete Essex offense. “They are as balanced an offense as I think there is in the state right now,” Fleming said. “Powerful runners and just a stable full of receivers that we have to pay attention to. I think their ability to run the ball and pass the ball on turf will be improved from what it is on grass, just as ours will.” No matter what happens, with two teams and coaching staffs that are familiar with each other, the Division I final is going to be a lot of fun. “It’s going to be two teams that fought hard to get there,” Fleming said. “Both of us giving our best for 48 minutes.”

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November 10, 2021  •  Williston Observer  •  Page 13

SPORTS

Soccer shootout goes to South Burlington

The CVU girls soccer team had been shootout to determine the winner. held scoreless only once this season. It CVU took an early lead in the picked a bad day for the second scoreless shootout after South Burlington missed game of the year. on its first two chances and Emma Crum In Saturday’s Division I state cham- scored on the second shot. pionships, the Redhawks But goalie Mercedes were held scoreless through Rozzi stopped the next ‘This group 110 minutes — regulation three CVU shots and two has been and overtime — then lost in Wolves’ kickers convertpenalty kicks to South Bured their chances to give phenomenal… lington. South Burlington the state we’ll be back.’ “They have to determine title for the second straight Stan Williams a winner and so they can’t year. CVU coach let us play all night,” said “This group has been CVU coach Stan Williams. phenomenal,” Williams “That doesn’t diminish one said. “It’s just such a great thing from the season they’ve had. What group of kids and they are close and a tremendous year for the group.” tight-knit. We told our three seniors that No. 1 CVU took on South Burlington, they gave us one heck of a sendoff this the sixth seed, in a rematch of last year’s year and then the 19 returners, we were D-I title game, which the Wolves won. like ‘we’ll be back.’” But the Redhawks couldn’t change the With the loss, Champlain Valley finresult this year. ishes with a 14-2-2 record. After a scoreless regulation and overtime, the two teams headed to a penalty — Lauren Read

Redhawk Anna Morton, above, dribbles past her Rutland opponent during their semifinal soccer match last Wednesday afternoon at Burlington’s Buck Hard Field. Right, Redhawk Emma Crum wins the race to the ball over her Rutland opponent.

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Volleyball continued from page

11

top-seeded Essex broke the tie with the 3-1 win and the state title on Saturday at South Burlington High School. The Hornets opened the title match with a 25-14 win in the first set. CVU could not find a rhythm in the set to challenge Essex. In the second set, CVU found its game and went back and forth with the Hornets.

The Redhawks were able to put together a run of points to finish out the set and tie up the match, 1-1. Essex took back control in the third set and did not relinquish it as it won the third set, 25-17, and then clinched the win with a 25-17 win in the fourth set. CVU lost only twice this season, both times to Essex. With the loss, the Redhawks finished the season with a 16-2 record. — Lauren Read

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Ryan Martin

Rising through the health care ranks UVM Health Network leads local nurse up career ladder From a young age, Ryan Martin knew he wanted to work in health care, but it wasn’t until he joined his local emergency medical services crew in Williston that his interest in nursing took shape. There, as the youngest member of his crew, he discovered he had a knack for working with children. “I quickly realized that what I really wanted to do was become a pediatric nurse. I was just looking for a way to get my foot in the door and build up my patient care experience,” said Martin. This led him to UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice, where he joined as an intake specialist in June of 2019, processing referrals for the organization’s physical therapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation programs. By October, Martin had enrolled in the Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Training Program at University of Vermont Medical Center, a move encouraged by his supervisors. The five-week, fulltime course prepares students to practice as nursing assistants through a combination of classroom, lab and clinical practice. “From the beginning, the people at Home Health & Hospice were really supportive of my career development and made sure that I had the time and space I needed to pursue my nursing education and get into a patient-cen-

tered role,” Martin said. “It was a huge weight off my shoulders.” In recent years, connecting young professionals with the LNA program has become a key part of Home Health & Hospice’s strategy to bolster its ranks of trained nursing staff. The organization pays employees to attend the class and sit for their LNA certification exams, provided they agree to stay on as a home health LNA for one year after their certification. “Becoming an adult home health LNA is a great stepping stone for anyone looking to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) because they use the broadest scope of their LNA license,” said Sarah Rogers-Spaulding, a physical therapist and Martin’s LNA supervisor at Home Health & Hospice. “There is a lot of autonomy in home health, so it really builds a lot of confidence in your skills.” After certifying as a LNA, Martin stayed on with Home Health & Hospice for 18 months. He traveled all over Chittenden and Grand Isle counties to provide home health care, assisting people with showering and dressing, caring for their wounds or providing ostomy care. Most of his regular patients were people suffering from chronic medical issues such as spinal cord injuries, paralysis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure. Later, Martin worked with a number of patients in hospice care. see HEALTH CARE page 17

November 10, 2021  •  Williston Observer  •  Page 15

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Page 16  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021 mended for children in grades one through five with a caregiver. Register to receive the recipe and Zoom invitation.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is open for in-person service during the following hours: • Monday/Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday/Thursday/ Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The library will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, and will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25-26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Visit www.damlvt.org to place holds, apply for a card, renew materials, get updates on programming, and access digital offerings. Public wifi is available 24/7 from the patio. Ages 2 and up must wear a mask inside the building.

OPEN every day!

YOUTH PROGRAMS Children in fifth grade and up may use the library unattended, while fourth grade and younger must be supervised by a person over 16 years of age. Register for youth events at www.damlvt.org or by calling 878-4918. TEEN NIGHT: FANDOM TRIVIA

Monday, Nov. 15, 5-6 p.m. Grades seven and up. Calling all fans of Harry Potter; Doctor Who; Avatar: The Last Airbender; Pokemon and more! Come chat about your favorites, play trivia and win prizes. Register ahead. PRESCHOOL STORY TIME ON THE GREEN

Tuesdays, Nov. 16 and 23, 10-

10:30 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs and rhymes. Register once for all sessions. AFTER-SCHOOL STEAM: ORIGAMI

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2-3 p.m. Grades three and up. Get started with origami. Learn some new folds and shapes and get ready for more advanced folds in December. Register ahead. PRESCHOOL MUSIC

Thursday, Nov. 18, 10:30-11 a.m. or 11:30-12 p.m. Sing along with musician Linda Bassick, then stay and play with the library’s early learning toys. Register ahead. KIDS IN THE KITCHEN (ZOOM PROGRAM)

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Monday, Nov. 22, 3-4 p.m. Cook along with Hannaford dietitian Joanne Heidkamp. Participants will make a main dish and a treat and gain some kitchen knowhow. Recom-

THERAPY DOGS AT THE LIBRARY

Thursday, Nov. 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Come visit with Lola, certified Therapy Dog. Bring or select a book to read or just spend time with her. Call 878-4918 to reserve a 10-minute visit.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

OverDrive or in print from the library. MAH-JONGG

Friday, Nov. 19, 1-3 p.m. Come to the library and play with other members of the community. All levels welcome. BROWN BAG BOOK DISCUSSION

Tuesday, Nov. 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join us online to discuss “Dear Edward” by Ann Napolitano. Available as an eBook or eAudioBook in LUV/OverDrive or in print from the library. CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION

All online programs are via Zoom. Email programs@ damlvt.org or call 878-4918 to receive an invitation, unless otherwise specified.

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 10:3012 p.m. Connect online to talk about newsworthy topics.

ADULT CRAFT KIT: GLITTER LEAVES

Wednesday, Dec. 8. Make your favorite recipe to share in this annual exchange. Drop off two dozen individually wrapped cookies and a copy of your recipe on Tuesday, Dec. 7, then stop by the library on Wednesday, Dec. 8, to pick up a holiday assortment to take home. Sign up at www.damlvt.org.

Pick up a kit to make sparkling fall leaves from recycled book pages. Available while supplies last. ONLINE GUIDED MEDITATION

Fridays, Nov. 12 and 19, 1212:30 p.m. Maryellen Crangle leads a short Zoom meditation.

COOKING MATTERS: HOLIDAY COOKIE EXCHANGE

COMING IN JANUARY …

NEW PERSPECTIVES BOOK DISCUSSION

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 12-1 p.m. Join our online discussion of Ann Lamott’s “Stitches: A Handbook.” Available as an eBook or eAudioBook in LUV/

Not for Men Only evening book group. Date TBD. Read and discuss “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann. Copies available in December at the library or as an eBook on LUV/OverDrive.

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November 10, 2021  •  Williston Observer  •  Page 17

sponded to a report of suspicious behavior on Avenue D. Oct. 28 at 2:19 p.m. — Police responded to a request for a welfare check at Maple Tree Place. Oct. 28 at 4:28 p.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Essex Road. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene. Oct. 28 at 4:55 p.m. — Police assisted Williston Fire Department with an alarm activation at Eagle Crest. Upon arrival, the alarm was found to be accidentally triggered. Oct. 28 at 5:46 p.m. — Police assisted a citizen regarding a suspicious circumstance on Dunmore Lane. Oct. 29 at 8:28 a.m. — Police conducted multiple VIN verifications on Mountain View Road at a business’ request. Oct. 29 at 10:29 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Engineers Drive. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene. Oct. 29 at 11:01 a.m. — Police assisted Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Blair Park Road. Oct. 29 at 12:09 p.m. — Police conducted a background check for local employment. Oct. 29 at 1:23 p.m. — Police took custody of found property at Taft Corners Shopping Center. Oct. 29 at 3:07 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a citizen dispute on Helena Drive. The officer assisted in resolving the dispute. Oct. 29 at 4:41 p.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Old Creamery Road. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene.

The incidents above are not a full recount of police activity, rather a highlight of some of the events that occurred. Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorneys Office and can be amended or dropped.

Health care

LNA, a task made manageable through close communication continued from page 14 and flexible scheduling with his “Whether it’s working in supervisors at Home Health & home health care, hospice or pe- Hospice. diatrics, it’s such a privilege to The hard work paid off. Marwork with people at such a vul- tin recently joined the UVM nerable stage in their life,” he Medical Center’s Pediatric Prisays. “I developed a lot of real- mary Care unit as an LPN. ly close relationships with pa“Between my LNA experience tients who didn’t have family … and LPN education, I feel well I found it incredibly rewarding to prepared to step into this role, not only be a source of support and I love it,” he said. “I feel refor them, but also to advocate for ally lucky to be working with our them in the health system.” pediatric specialties — such as The work prepared him for the trans youth clinic — because what was to come in his nursing I find those patient experiences to career. be particularly “It gave rewarding and ‘I developed a lot of me a solid gratifying.” fou nd at ion Meanwhile, really close relationships in patient Martin is not with patients who care, helping letting up on his me to learn nursing educadidn’t have family … my bedtion. He is curI found it incredibly side manner rently pursuing and how to his associate’s rewarding to not only manage the degree in nursbe a source of support different ing and plans relationto go on to befor them, but also to ships and come a nurse advocate for them in challenging practitioner in sit uations pediatrics. For the health system.’ you encounthe moment, his Ryan Martin ter in perfocus remains son-to -peron providing son care. pediatric care, It gave me a lot of confidence,” but he doesn’t rule out a return he said. “Looking back, it really to home health in the future, parmolded me into the type of nurse ticularly if it means working with I wanted to be.” kids again. Working as an LNA also en“Ultimately, what’s most imabled Martin to continue his ed- portant to me is that I continue ucation and take one step closer learning, practicing and giving to becoming a pediatric nurse. back to Vermont communities as In August 2020, in the thick of much as I can.” the pandemic, Martin enrolled in Vermont Technical College’s This article was provided LPN program. Over the next 10 by the University of Vermont months, he split his time between Medical Center. his studies and his work as an

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Oct. 24 at 4:02 a.m. — Police responded to Railroad Avenue to recover stolen property. Oct. 24 at 2:25 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Market Street. Oct. 24 at 3:00 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a fire alarm at Falcon Manor. Oct. 24 at 8:02 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Zephyr Road. Oct. 25 at 5:26 a.m. — Police responded to a request for a welfare check on Holland Lane. Oct. 25 at 9:03 a.m. — Police processed a set of fingerprints at a citizen’s request. Oct. 25 at 11:44 a.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle collision on Williston Road. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene. Oct. 25 at 11:52 a.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Harvest Lane. Oct. 25 at 12:24 p.m. — Police responded to a report of theft on Day Lane. Oct. 25 at 3:49 p.m. — Police completed a background check for local employment. Oct. 25 at 3:58 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Trader Lane. Oct. 25 at 3:59 p.m. — Police assisted Burlington Police Department on Harvest Lane. Oct. 25 at 6:17 p.m. — Police assisted a citizen on Cypress Street. Oct. 26 at 7:19 a.m. — Police provided flares and blue lights for an operator with a disabled vehicle on St. George Road. Oct. 26 at 9:32 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a deceased animal on Williston Road. Oct. 26 at 10:50 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Essex Road. Oct. 26 at 10:55 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a parking problem on St. George Road. The officer advised the operator to move along. Oct. 26 at 2:55 p.m. — Police processed a set of fingerprints at a citizen’s request. Oct. 27 at 10:38 a.m. — Police took a report of lost property on South Brownell Road. Oct. 27 at 7:32 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on St. George Road. Oct. 27 at 8:41 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Harvest Lane. Oct. 28 at 1:19 a.m. — Police took custody of found property on Harvest Lane, then contacted the owner to return the property accordingly. Oct. 28 at 11:48 a.m. — Police assisted Williston Fire Department on Avenue D. Oct. 28 at 1:27 p.m. — Police conducted a welfare check at Maple Tree Place. Oct. 28 at 1:38 p.m. — Police re-

Oct. 29 at 5:18 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Cypress Street. Oct. 29 at 6:41 p.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Alburgh Springs Road. There were no hazards or injuries on the scene. Oct. 29 at 6:49 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a traffic hazard on North Williston Road. Police and the Town Highway Department cleared the hazard from the road. Oct. 29 at 6:52 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on River Cove Road. Oct. 30 at 9:05 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a suspicious circumstance on South Road. The officers took custody of the found property. Oct. 30 at 11:43 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a citizen dispute at Maple Tree Place. Upon arrival, the parties agreed to separate for the day. Oct. 30 at 1:10 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Holland Lane. Oct. 30 at 2:24 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on St. George Road. The officer transported the individual to the Police Department so they could be picked up to be taken home. Oct. 30 at 3:11 p.m. — Police found a suspicious circumstance while on patrol on Retail way. The officer found a vehicle registered as stolen and took the operator into custody due to an active warrant. Oct. 30 at 4:45 p.m. — Police assisted Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Retail Way.

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Page 18  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021

SENIORS

How to track down an unclaimed life insurance policy

Savvy Senior By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, When my dad died, we thought he had a life insurance policy, but we have no idea how to track it down. Any suggestions? Searching Son

Dear Searching, Lost or forgotten life insurance policies are very common in the U.S. According to a study by Consumer Reports, 1 out of every 600 people is the beneficiary of an unclaimed life insurance policy with an average benefit of $2,000. It could be like finding out you have a secret savings account. While unfortunately there isn’t a national database for tracking down these policies, there are a number of strategies and a few new resources that can help your search. Here are several to get you started. Search his records: Check your dad’s financial records or areas where he kept his important papers for a policy, records

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of premium payments, or bills from an insurer. Also contact his employer or former employer benefits administrator, insurance agents, financial planner, accountant, attorney or other adviser and ask if they know about a life insurance policy. Also check safe-deposit boxes, monitor the mail for premium invoices or whole-life dividend notices, and review old income-tax returns, looking for interest income from, and interest expenses paid, to life insurance companies. Get help: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a policy locator service (see www.NAIC.org and click on “Consumer” then on “Life Insurance Policy Locator”) that lets you run a nationwide

search for insurance policies or annuities in the names of people who have died. There are also six state insurance departments (Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, North Carolina and Oregon) that have free policy locator service programs that can help you search. To find direct access to these state resources, visit the American Council of Life Insurers website at www. ACLI.com – click on “Missing Policy Tips.” Contact the insurer: If you suspect that a particular insurer underwrote the policy, contact that carrier’s claim office and ask. The more information you have, like your dad’s date of birth and death, Social Security number and address, the easier it will be to track down. Contact information for some big insurers include: Prudential, 800-778-2255; MetLife, www. Metlife.com/policyfinder; AIG, 800-888-2452; Nationwide, 800848-6331; John Hancock, www. JohnHancock.com, click on “Lost or unclaimed policy form” at the bottom of the page under “Quick Links.” Search unclaimed property: If your dad died more than a few years ago, benefits may have already been turned over to the unclaimed property office of the state where the policy was purchased. Go to www.Missing-

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Money.com, a website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, to search records from 39 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Or, to find links to each state’s unclaimed-property division, use www.Unclaimed. org. If your dad’s name or a potential benefactor’s name produces a hit, you’ll need to prove your claim. Required documentation, which can vary by state, is detailed in claim forms, and a death certificate might be necessary. Search fee-based services: There are several businesses that offer policy locator services for a fee. The MIB Group, for example, which is a data-sharing service for life and health insurance companies, offers a policy locator service at www.MIB. com for $75. But it only tracks applications for individual policies made since 1996. You can also get assistance at Policy Inspector (www.PolicyInspector.com) for $99, and L-LIFE (www.LostLifeIns.com) for $108, which will search for you.

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November 10, 2021  •  Williston Observer  •  Page 19

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 23 1

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This week we’re sharing another tasty side dish recipe for your Thanksgiving celebration. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with over 100% of the daily recommended serving of vitamins K and A. We chose Lacinato kale, or dinosaur kale to some, since it’s more tender than common curly kale - exactly what you want for this recipe! Panko breadcrumbs add a buttery crunch, and the overall rich creamy texture make this dish a real crowd pleaser.

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1. Accept, as an excuse 4. Urban ride

7. Lion's foot 10. Kettle

13. Milk, in a way

14. What rings reveal about a tree

Down 1. Way across town, perhaps 2. Faith Evans: “You ___ to love me” 3. Calendar span 4. Freight 5. Time past 6. __ and breakfast 7. Event with floats 8. Honor 9. Broke down 10. Hippie’s hangout

15. More than great respect 16. Hang on a clothesline 17. Green color

18. Part of a nuclear reactor 19. Fast

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50. Cancel a bill 51. Senate declaration 52. Hardware store purchase 53. Orange Pekoe or English Breakfast 55. A quarter of Paris 57. Nest builders 60. Kid’s illness 63. Register 65. Cup part 67. Joan of ___ 68. Distinguish 69. “__ You Experienced?” (Hendrix hit) 70. Downed dinner 71. Too simple 72. Having had many birthdays 73. Unit pricing word 74. Enclosure

Creamed Kale with Crunchy Bread Crumbs

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Across 1. Accept, as an excuse 4. Urban ride 7. Lion’s foot 10. Kettle 13. Milk, in a way 14. What rings reveal about a tree 15. More than great respect 16. Hang on a clothesline 17. Green color 18. Part of a nuclear reactor 19. Fast 21. Pull along the ground 23. Hauls (off) 24. Nearing depletion 26. Recipe direction 27. Rest 30. Touch 33. “Who ___ is coming?” 35. “. . . parting is ___ sweet sorrow” 36. Holiday stopover 37. Peck at 38. Churchill’s “___ Finest Hour” 39. Figure out 40. “Lucy in the ___ with Diamonds” 41. Sear 42. Pajama party bed, perhaps 44. Small hills 46. Pointer’s cry 47. Judge’s concern 48. Got taller 49. “From ___ to riches”

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11. Olive, for one 12. “Old college” effort 20. Offspring 22. Greedy desire 23. Throw 25. Pay periods, often 28. It has a freezing point 29. Gullet 30. Dried fruit 31. Dynamic quality 32. Total 34. Non-minister 35. Introverted 38. Believe in 40. Conclude, with “up” 41. Reason for a flight delay 43. Early afternoon hour 45. Marine carnivores 46. Bored response 49. Lifted higher 50. Furniture truck 52. Symbol of strength 54. Not merely ready 56. “The Sun ___ Rises” 58. It’s sometimes fallen into 59. Festival locale 60. Travel need 61. Grand time 62. Make a scene 63. Down and back, in a pool 64. It gets refined 66. Tom, Dick and Harry

27. Rest

30. Touch

Ingredients:

Directions:

2 bunches Lacinato kale, stems removed and roughly chopped

In a large pan over high heat add the olive oil and kale. Sauté until it is mostly wilted. Remove the kale from the pan and reserve in a bowl.

3 Tbsp olive oil 1 shallot, sliced

In the same pan with the heat reduced to medium, add the shallot and thyme and cook until the shallot softens.

1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Add the Madeira wine and reduce it until it is a thick syrupy consistency.

1/4 cup Madeira wine 1 cup heavy cream

33. "Who ___ is coming?" 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

35. ". . . parting is ___ sweet sorrow" 36. Holiday stopover

2 Tbsp butter

Salt and pepper

37. Peck at

38. Churchill's "___ Finest Hour" 39. Figure out

Meanwhile, in a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the panko bread crumbs. Stir frequently until evenly toasted. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. When the cream is reduced, add the kale back in and mix well to coat all the kale evenly. Season everything with salt and pepper. Transfer the kale to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs over the top.

40. "Lucy in the ___ with Diamonds" You’ll Love These Great Deals: 41. Sear

Local Organic Lacinato Kale

42. Pajama party bed, perhaps 44. Small hills 46. Pointer's cry

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47. Judge's concern

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Page 20  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021

OBITUARIES Kathleen Metro

Kathleen Metro, 96, of Shelburne, died of natural causes, November 3, 2021 at The Haven, Residences at Shelburne Bay. Kathleen was the loving wife of John E. Metro, for 66 years. John died April 20, 2016. In addition to Shelburne, Kathleen and John lived in Litchfield, CT from 1965 to 2000, and Palm Desert, CA until 2011. In 2011, Kathleen and John moved to The Terraces in Shelburne. Kathleen moved to the Residences at Shelburne Bay in 2018 and to The Haven memory care unit in 2019. Kathleen was born July 13, 1925 to John and Margaret Gallagher of Akron, OH. She graduated Villa Maria High School and St. Vincent Charity Hospital School of Nursing in Cleveland, OH. After graduating nursing school, Kathleen married and raised a family in CT. Kathleen had a much-loved career in nursing ranging from general nursing and nurse management at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, CT, to community nursing, to working for the VNA in northwest CT. Until the end of her life, she wished she could still be a nurse. Kathleen enjoyed being

with her family and great grandchildren, traveling in the U.S. and Europe, and going to shows in New York City, Tanglewood, Boston, and California. Kathleen is survived by a daughter, Patrice Metro, Scituate, MA, her children, Katelin and Edward Carr; Gary Metro, Richland, WA, his wife Nancy, and their son Henry; Ed Metro, Acton, MA, his wife Karen, and their daughters Julia and Suzanne; Will Metro, Williston, VT, his wife Sally Stockwell MD, and their sons, Patrick and Hazen. The family wishes to thank her caregivers for their wonderful, loving care: the staff at The Haven at the Residences at Shelburne Bay, UVM Home Health and Hospice nurses, and Kathleen’s primary care physician, Andrea Regan MD. A funeral service for Kathleen will be at St. Catherine’s of Siena, Shelburne, VT, Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any hospice or Visiting Nurse Association. Arrangements in the care of Stephen C. Gregory and Son, South Burlington, VT, www.gregorycremation.com.

Celeste Wallace

Celeste Diane (Ruth) Wallace, 48, passed away on Thursday October 28, 2021 at UVMMC in Burlington after a short illness. She was born on April 12, 1973 in Fairfax, Virginia, the daughter of Franklin and Diane (Beuchert) Ruth. A native Virginian, she moved to Vermont and enjoyed living for several years in the Burlington area. She attended Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Virginia. She also attended Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia with a focus on wildlife science and ever after loved watching Hokie football. She worked most recently as an Immigration Officer for the Department of Homeland Security. She loved nature, animals, and had impeccable fashion sense. She was an insightful animal trainer and bonded closely with her beloved Rhodesian Ridgebacks and her cats. An excellent photographer, she honed

her skills with a degree in photography and was the person that could take the most f lattering image of anyone no matter what. She had a sharp, but kind wit, a great sense of humor and could be relied on to say the kind and insightful thing at the right time. She is survived by her father, Franklin Ruth and stepmother Sharon Ruth, sister Alexis Adamson, brother-in-law Scott Adamson, niece Natasha, nephew Jake, and many, many beloved friends and family, including Lisa Anthony, Tammy Hanna, and Devin Grandchamp. A Celebration of Life was held on Nov. 3 at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A Celebration of Life will also be held at the convenience of the family in Virginia at a later date. Memorial contributions in Celeste’s memory may be made to the “After the Races” organization at http://aftertheraces.org/.

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November 10, 2021  •  Williston Observer  •  Page 21

OBITUARIES

Marie Kenney-Soelch It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marie Kenney-Soelch, 31, on November 3, 2021, at the McClure-Miller Respite House in Colchester. She was surrounded by her loving family. Marie was born September 19, 1990, in Burlington, VT to Timothy and Jennifer (Moran) Kenney. Marie attended school in Richmond, VT graduating from Mt. Mansfield High School in 2008. She received a BS in Biology from the University of Vermont in 2012, and her medical degree from University of Vermont Col-

lege of Medicine in 2020. Marie was a beautiful, brilliant, and vibrant woman who loved her husband, family and friends. She was one hell of a skier and mountain biker. She had an ear for music and was gifted with the ability to compose. She lived her life with passion and kindness and leaves behind many friends that were drawn to her light. She loved to explore and experience the natural world. Her sense of wonder made her a true seeker of knowledge, meaning and spiritual truths. Courageous

Andover, MA and nephews William and Zachary. Also, she will be missed by her many aunts and uncles, cousins, and dear friends. Marie loved all animals and frequently brought home the most forlorn of them to love. She was particularly passionate about the ethical treatment of animals in the food industry. In her memory donations can be sent to The Humane League at www.thehumaneleague.org. Services for Marie will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Direct Support Professional

Joyce Mae (Ehart) Woodruff

Joyce Mae (Ehart) Woodruff, 81, of Richmond, passed away October 31, 2021 with her family at her side. Born February 24, 1940 in Trenton, NJ, daughter of Rudolph and Grace (Holcombe) Ehart, she was the eldest of two children. She spent her childhood attending field trials with her father and his beagles, cooking, socializing with friends, playing trombone, and excelling in her studies at Princeton High School. She attended Drexel University where she studied Home Economics, and developed a life-long passion for nutrition. She married her lifelong love, Frederick Bryant Woodruff III. They were inseparable and devoted to each other, and were looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in January, 2022. Joyce enjoyed being a wife, homemaker, mother of two, and grandmother of six. She is survived by her loving husband, Frederick; two daughters: Donna Noonan, of Burlington, MA, and her four children, Evan, Jenna, Ryan, and Steven; and also, Brenda Beardsley and husband, Michael, and their two children, Jessica and Dustin of West Chesterfield, NH. Joyce is survived by one brother, Bruce Ehart and his wife, Verena, of West Windsor, NJ and their daughters, Michelle, and Jennifer (Jacobi) and her husband, Rob. Services were held on November 8 at Richmond Congregational Church in Richmond, VT with a graveside service following at Riverview Cemetery on Route 2 in Richmond, VT. Arrangements are in care of Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street, Richmond, VT.

and determined in all endeavors, she wanted to help others experience the best life they could. She was truly the absolute sweetest. Left to cherish Marie’s memory are her husband, Luke Soelch of Cicero, NY, who she married in 2019; her parents Timothy and Jennifer Kenney of Richmond, VT; her brother Nate Kenney of Bozeman, MT; her grandmother Nancy Moran of Harwich, MA; her mother- and father-in-law, Richard and Susan Soelch of Alton Bay, NH; her brother- and sisterin-law Mike and Lauren Soelch of

Provide supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Starting wage is $18 per hour, the position includes a $500 sign on bonus, a strong benefits package and the opportunity to work at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont”. A variety of positions are available for applicants entering human services or for those looking to continue their work in the field. Why not have a job you love? Join our dedicated team and together we’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs. Contact Karen Ciechanowicz at staff@ccs-vt.org and apply today. ccs-vt.org EOE

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Why have a job you love? Why not have a job younot love? Join our dedicated team together build a community Join our dedicated team andand together we’llwe’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs. At CCS you receive a $500 sign-on bonus, comprehensive benefits package that includes affordable health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement match and more. In addition, CCS has been voted one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” for the third year in a row and we want you to be a part it. Our current openings of Direct Support Professionals, Service Coordinator, Senior Manager, Shared Living Provider and Asleep Overnight Supports offer the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life, and in yours. Why not have a job you love? Join us! Visit www.ccs-vt.org to apply today. ccs-vt.org EOE

Page 22  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021

Waterbury loses Florilla Ames at age 110 A resilient woman; a remarkable life BY MEGAN SCHNEIDER Community News Network

Florilla Ames recalls stories of her younger days with visitors a day before her 110th birthday. COURTESY PHOTO BY GORDON MILLER

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Waterbury Center resident Florilla Ames, believed to be the oldest person in Vermont, passed away on Friday, Oct. 22, at age 110. Her loved ones will remember her for her quick wit, her good heart and the many stories she would tell. Ames’ life was full of teaching, dancing, community and friends all while having lived through two pandemics and a disastrous flood. As she celebrated some of her recent birthdays, Ames’ notoriety as a supercentenarian grew. At age 102, she granted an interview to videographer James Valastro where she talked about her parents’ love for dancing that they passed on to her. In 2017, WCAX Channel 3’s Joe Carroll profiled her for a “Super Seniors” segment on the occasion of her 106th. In May 2020, she spoke to a Seven Days reporter to compare the 1918 influenza pandemic to Covid-19. Photographer Gordon Miller and freelance writer Cheryl Casey visited with Ames last March as she turned 110. Ames never tired of telling stories from her life and sharing lessons she learned along the way. Waterbury journalist David Goodman enjoyed such a visit with Ames and her husband Darrel for a 2007 interview for the Waterbury Record. Two of her closest friends in Waterbury, Sandy and Al Lewis, reminisce about Ames, “Her quick quips would almost catch us off guard. She could be very strict about some things, but she had a funny bone, that was for sure, and just a big heart” said Sandy Lewis. For the past four or five years, Lewis would get Ames’ groceries and anything else she needed. Dropping off these items gave her a chance to sit and chat with Ames and hear her many stories. “She would give you little bits and pieces, little bullets, of what life was like for the past 100 years,” Lewis said.

As a former engineer, Al Lewis would help around the house with any maintenance tasks Ames needed assistance with. “Everything that her housekeeper did, and any friends that came to visit, certainly us — our objective was to have her wish honored that she be able to live at home as long as she could,” he said. Live at home she did for many years — in her childhood home. Ames was born in Montpelier and grew up on Barnes Hill in Waterbury. In 1918, she and the rest of her family were sick with the flu but lived through that pandemic. In 2020 she became one of the oldest people to receive the Covid-19 vaccine in the current pandemic. In interviews where she spoke of her childhood, she told of spending time outdoors, get-togethers in her house where there was music and dancing, her father calling square dances. “What’s more fun than dancing?” she mused to Valastro in his recording. She was a teacher for many years after attending Waterbury High School, studying at Montpelier Seminary and then obtaining her teaching credentials from Lyndon State. After meeting her husband of 70 years, Darrel Ames — when she was a teacher and he a student — they moved to Springfield, Mass., for 40 years. When Ames’ mother grew sick in the late 1970s, Ames returned to her home in Waterbury. Darrel eventually followed her to Vermont. He died in 2008 and Florilla has spent nearly all of the years since in her childhood home. It wasn’t until just a couple of months ago that she left her home and went to Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Berlin. Sandy said she could tell that Ames missed her home, but she accepted Woodridge was her new and final home. In their years together, something that Darrel and Florilla Ames loved to do was snowmobiling. They did this well into their 90s. “They were both physically active and they knew how to get by in Vermont,” Lewis recalled. Along with snowmobiling, Flo-

rilla did reverse painting on mirrors around the house, sewing and knitting. Al Lewis recalls sitting, having a conversation and Ames would often be knitting. When her husband was alive, Al said “…she allowed her husband, Darrel, to carry on the conversations, but whenever she would inject in the conversations it was very intelligent, it was spot on, and usually very much to the point.” Along with her independence, Ames was a strong woman who knew her importance. “She was a very savvy person for her age and for growing up in a time when women weren’t given much consideration. I think she never bought into that bologna,” Sandy Lewis said. Up until the Covid-19 pandemic began, Ames welcomed visitors into her home from all over on her birthday which fell on St. Patrick’s Day. “They like to come and see somebody that’s so old,” Ames said with a smile in her interview with WCAX. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, it made it hard for Ames not to have visitors. Visits resumed once Ames and her friends were vaccinated last year. What was her secret was to living to such an age? Sandy said her basic concept was to keep active. And to get through the grief of losing friends and family over the years she just kept moving on. “You just keep putting one foot in front of the other,” Sandy recalled Ames saying. “She had a resilience that is hard to find.” Al and Sandy got to see Ames two days before she died. They talked about how special that was and even though Ames’ memory was going, Sandy said she believes Ames knew who was visiting when she said to them, “thank you for everything.” The Community News Service is a partnership between the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program and Vermont community newspapers.

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Page 24  •  Williston Observer  •  November 10, 2021

Winter Programs 2021-2022

WWW.WILLISTONREC.ORG

802-876-1160 • recreation@willistonvt.org Below is a listing of upcoming programs for the Winter: November-February. Detailed program information can be found on the Recreation Website- www.willistonrec.org.

Holiday Decorating Contest

Coming Soon! Watch for information on this year’s Holiday Decorating Contest in December. It was a great event last year and the hope is for more families to enter. Last year 3 resident and 1 business prize were awarded. If you are a business and would like to donate a gift INSTRUCTORS WANTED basket as a prize, please contact the Do you have a special talent or unique skill that you would like to share with others? Are you a business that Recreation Dept. would like to partner to bring your offerings to the community? If so, please contact the Recreation Department to discuss the possibilities. VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED! Coaches are needed for Youth Rec. Basketball. Sign up to coach when you register your child, or if you don’t have a child in a program, fill out a “Volunteer Form,” which can be found on the Rec. Website. Basketball season is December-February.

ONLINE PROGRAMS SNOWMOBILE SAFETY

Age 12+. Online Course. The course provides the opportunity to earn the certification necessary to legally operate on Vermont’s Statewide Snowmobile Trails System. Course can be taken online at any time. Go to Rec. website for link to course.

MY HEALTHY VT

Online Courses. Want to be healthier and feel better? My Healthy VT can help. Find a free course that’s right for you and take online any time. Go to Rec. website for link to My Healthy VT website.

IN-PERSON PROGRAMS WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE SEMINAR

Age 18+. This very informative three-hour seminar is designed to provide you with easy-to-learn, yet effective lifesaving knowledge and skills with a delivery style that people find welcoming and non-intimidating. Instructor: Jeffrey Lamkins

A NEW APPROACH TO STRESS RELIEF

Age 18+. Using skills from her 13 years plus of experiencing relief from stress through movement Gillian will teach you gentle exercises that will relax you and that you can continue to draw on in the days ahead. Instructor: Gillian Franks

TAI CHI INTRO

Age 18+. Come strengthen your body, regulate and build physical energy, and cultivate your mental concentration and spirit with this gentle and nourishing practice. Instructor: Zachary Stevens, ONTA Studio

CHAIR YOGA INTRO

Age 18+. For those with visible mobility, non-visible injuries, central nervous system and degenerative diseases, chronic pain, physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Intro programs offered in Dec, Jan & Feb. Instructors: Sangha Studio Staff

BOXING INTRO

Age 18+. An 8-week introduction to the fundamentals of boxing for fun, fitness and self-defense! We’ll focus on learning footwork, defense and proper punching mechanics through a variety of safe, fun drills. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff

GENTLE YOGA INTRO

Age 14+. This class features grounded shapes held for longer periods of time, allowing for opening and softening of the body and improvement of flexibility and mobility. Variations will be shown. Intro programs offered in Dec, Jan & Feb. Instructors: Sangha Studio Staff

BEGINNER YOGA INTRO

Age 14+. Is designed to introduce the practice of yoga in a clear and accessible way. You will explore terminology and breathing techniques and learn how to use props and variations. Intro programs offered in Dec, Jan & Feb. Instructors: Sangha Studio Staff

YIN YOGA INTRO

Age 14+. A quiet, introspective practice where postures are held for 3-5 minutes with and without props to encourage greater mental focus and lower stress levels. Intro programs offered in Dec, Jan & Feb. Instructors: Sangha Studio Staff

LOW IMPACT CARDIO WORKOUT

Age 14+. This low impact workout is suitable for all fitness levels. A great way to build muscular strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness. This will be followed by a relaxing mindfulness stretch. No equipment program. Instructor: Makeey Shedyak

DANGEROUS GIRLS

Age 14+. This is a women-only cardio- kickboxing class that combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot. Instructor: Zachary Stevens, ONTA Studio

DOG TRAINING: BASIC & SOCIAL SKILLS

Age 18+. Using a simple-to-use training approach, this 6-week program covers the essentials of having a well-behaved companion. Includes obedience, manners, social skills and understanding behavior. Instructor: Deb Helfrich, Gold Star Dog Training

THERAPY DOG ACADEMY

Age 18+. This 6-week course gives dogs and handlers the necessary skills for not only passing the test, but also for working successfully as a therapy dog team. Instructor: Deb Helfrich, Gold Star Dog Training

PICKUP PROGRAMS

Saturdays in January and February. The hour session will consist of a practice and scrimmage time. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams. Sign up to coach when registering your child.

3RD-4TH BASKETBALL

There are separate boys’ and girls’ programs offered if numbers allow. The programs provide the opportunity for youngsters to play and improve their skills. The program meets twice a week for 1 hour each time: 1 practice and 1 game per week. Parent Volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child.

5TH-6TH BASKETBALL

There will be separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. The leagues meet twice a week for 1 hour each time: 1 practice and 1 game per week. The 5th-6th are part of the CVRA League, which plays other Rec. Depts. Parent Volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child.

7TH-8TH BASKETBALL

There is a league for boys offered if the numbers allow. The team meets twice a week for 1 hour each time: 1 practice and 1 game per week. The 7th-8th is part of the CVRA League, which plays other Rec. Depts. Parent Volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child.

LEARN TO SKI/RIDE

New this year - The Pickup Programs are by registration and payment Only. They are no longer free drop-in programs. There are Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball and Adult Volleyball. Details for each and to register, go to the Rec. website.

Information on the Learn to Ski/Ride Program will be available on the Rec. website starting December 1. Registration will open on this date. Be sure to register before the early bird discount deadline to save.

VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE - COED

NINJA KIDS INTRO

SAFE SITTER COURSES

NINJA TEENS INTRO

Age 18+. The league will be offered this Winter/Spring. Weekly games and a double-elimination tournament. A coed team requires two or more females on the court at any time regardless of substitutions. Contact Tim Armstrong, willistonvolleyball@gmail.com. Grades 6-8. Safe Sitter® prepares teens to be safe when they’re home alone, watching siblings or babysitting. The course offers four main content areas: Safety Skills, Child Care Skills, First Aid & Rescue Skills and Life & Business Skills. Instructor: Rec Staff

KINDERREC BASKETBALL

Kindergarten. This is a parent/child program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Each week youngsters will be introduced to a new skill and fun activities that will enhance their learning. Program is January-February. Instructors: Rec. Staff

1ST-2ND BASKETBALL

Program provides the opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills and enjoy playing. Program meets on

Age 4-8 or 7-11. The play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: Zachary Stevens, ONTA Studio Age 9-15 or 12-17. The play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: Zachary Stevens, ONTA Studio

BEGINNERS ELECTRONICS AND PROGRAMMING WITH ARDUINO MICROCONTROLLERS

Age 10+. Deadline to Register is December 19, so kits can be ordered. This program will introduce beginners to the world of building small electronic projects that can be controlled by microcontrollers called “Arduino.” Basic principles of electronics and programming will be explored as you make lights blink, motors turn, and sense the world around you. Instructor: Bryan Serinese